Easy as 1, 2, 3

As we get closer and closer to Finley’s second birthday, Heather I keep discovering that our little princess is discovering new and unusual things to say and do. And since she spends so much time at daycare, we figure that’s the place she’s picking up all these sayings and quirks.

For instance, she has this thing (that she’s had for a while) about shoes. She loves her shoes. She wants to wear all of them, all of the time. So the other day she asks Momma if she can wear her boots. They are these long, fake-fur lined snow boots that she adores. As soon as she gets them on, she looks up and says, “Awesome!”

As funny as that was, I find it interesting that she was able to pick up a word like that and use it in context so quickly. It’s not like someone at daycare is saying “awesome” over and over again for every little thing. She definitely keyed in on it and figured out where to use it. Unless, of course, one of the teachers is saying “awesome” over and over again. Which actually wouldn’t surprise me.

It really is amazing how much her little brain is soaking up. But what really gets me is not only that she is watching and hearing and learning all of this stuff, she’s applying these things in her actions and words and for the most part, applying it all correctly.

Obviously, things like singing songs can help anyone remember their ABCs and learn words. But how did she figure out to that her baby doll needs to be wrapped in a blanket before she puts it down for a nap? How does she know to put the little toy dog in front of the play doggie bowl to eat? The obvious answer is she watched. But she’s been watching for a long time. It’s only recently that she’s turned it all into action.

So, being first-time parents, the next question is… is this really all that amazing? I’m guessing this is where her development should be at this point. We’re in this tough spot where everything new is a miracle and we’re convinced she’s the smartest kid on the planet. But then again, she’s not reading or doing math, but she is learning her numbers. She can count fairly well, but is that normal for two years old? I would expect so. We just don’t have anything or anyone to reference it against.

You can check out her counting, below.

We think that’s pretty cool. But is she ahead of the curve or right on schedule? And the most important question of all comes from all of that… Does it really even matter?

I don’t think being ahead or behind is the goal, here. I think the fact that she is learning and applying and his healthy and happy is all that matters. We’re not in a race. And the last thing I want her to think is that she has to try to be the smartest kid. I’ll settle for a pretty happy kid.

After all, she’s got plenty of time until she has to worry about grades. For now, she can just keep counting to her heart’s delight. And if that makes her happy, then I think that’s awesome!

 

P.S. Speaking of awesome… Below is the greatest sound you’ll ever hear. Save this for the next time you have a bad day. It’s Finley’s gift to you.